Five-star small forward Justin Edwards announced his commitment to Kentucky on Monday, becoming the Wildcats’ second five-star commitment in the 2023 class.
Edwards chose the Wildcats over Tennessee, with the two SEC schools vying for his services in recent months. Kentucky was the early favorite after extending a scholarship offer to Edwards last fall, but Tennessee caught up after the Volunteers hosted him for a visit in March.
But the Wildcats have had most of the momentum since July’s live judging period began, and coach John Calipari has made it a priority to watch Edwards all month.
A 6-foot-7 wing out of Imhotep Institute Charter High School (Pennsylvania), Edwards is ranked No. 13 in the ESPN 100 for the Class of 2023. He was one of the most productive players on the Nike EYBL Tour while spring and summer, averaging 16.6 points and 6.5 rebounds in 25 games.
Edwards excelled at this month’s Peach Jam tournament, helping lead their tag team finals program through to the quarterfinals. He had 17 points and 13 rebounds in a win over elite prospect GG Jackson and the CP3 All-Stars, and had 24 points and 10 rebounds in the quarterfinal loss.
“Justin Edwards has been in tears lately,” ESPN National Recruiting Director Paul Biancardi said. “He played very well at the Peach Jam, scoring and rebounding, and producing interceptions on and off the ball due to his long frame. At 6-foot-7, he’s a tall left winger who constantly attacks the basket with aggression Defensively, he can switch to different perimeter threats.
“His jumper is more than capable, but where he excels is in transitioning as a top-level finisher in the open floor. In the half-court, he dominates with straight line hard hits, travel to the free throw line and work the glass for extra possessions.”
Calipari and Kentucky now have two five-star recruits and three top-30 prospects in their 2023 recruiting class, with Edwards joining top-five guard Robert Dillingham and four-star guard Reed Sheppard. The Wildcats are also considered favorites for No. 1 overall DJ Wagner and are squarely in the mix for Ron Holland (No. 4), Aaron Bradshaw (No. 19) and Ugonn Kingsley-Onyenso (No. 35).